Coopers Ginger Beer...

[drunkpapaj]

Anyone tried it?? Have you tried it alcoholic or not?

[AceMcAce]

I've tried it alcoholic. I have some tips for you

1. Brew it to 19L
2. Add extra sugar to make it a bit stronger
3. Be prepared to wait a few months for it to mature. It really is worth the wait.

[drunkpapaj]

Cheers acemcace!

Had pretty much decided to do one regardless, but just wondered what other thought of it... Thanks for the tips to! Fortunatly i have some extra cornies coming so ill be able to wait for it to mature

[willike]

This is possibly one of the best ginger beers ever.Also brewed it to 19ltrs with extra sugar the taste is incredible makes a perfect summer tipple

[St. Ailbhe's Brewery]

I've never had alcoholic ginger beer/ale.

Is the taste comparison between it and, say, Canada Dry or Barr's Ginger Ale very close, or is it a totally different drink?

If it's the former, I'm in!

[drunkpapaj]

I think its the same as non but with the added benfit of the alco.... Try a Crabbies alco ginger beer to get a taste for it.

[willike]

I think its the same as non but with the added benfit of the alco.... Try a Crabbies alco ginger beer to get a taste for it.

I dont even think Crabbies holds a torch to Coopers ginger beer has much more depth of flavour IMO i would say just make the Coopers

[softlad]

I tried it a couple of years ago and found it a nice drink but lacking in ginger kick.

Adding a good chunk of fresh grated ginger made all the difference

[drunkpapaj]

I dont even think Crabbies holds a torch to Coopers ginger beer has much more depth of flavour IMO i would say just make the Coopers

True but it would at least give you an idea which is what i was trying to get to. (no sarc or bad taste intended)

[willike]

I dont even think Crabbies holds a torch to Coopers ginger beer has much more depth of flavour IMO i would say just make the Coopers

True but it would at least give you an idea which is what i was trying to get to. (no sarc or bad taste intended)

i understand i have only ever tried one bottle of crabbies which was quickly chucked down the sink didnt like it at all.

[jabbathehut]

what extra sugar would be needed to get it up to 4% or more ?
i would have no real interest in making a 2.5% brew...i have a tin of it am not really into the sweeter drinks.,i thought of making it up with a cheap ale kit ( 1.5kg youngs pils or lager or somthing I have knocking round)

any pointers

[willike]

what extra sugar would be needed to get it up to 4% or more ?
i would have no real interest in making a 2.5% brew...i have a tin of it am not really into the sweeter drinks.,i thought of making it up with a cheap ale kit ( 1.5kg youngs pils or lager or somthing I have knocking round)

any pointers

I wouldnt go down the road of adding anything else to this other than extra sugar its good enough as it is.Try sticking in 1.5kg of unrefined sugar and do a hydrometer reading and keep adding more till your happy with the strength.

[markle]

Can anyone remember how long it took for this stuff to clear? ive had mine zipped up in a bag with a dressing gown over it for a week and its still as cloudy as when i bottled :S not in any rush i was just curious!!
Cheers

[jabbathehut]

think i will lash this on over the weekend. Might try it with 2kg brewing sugar ...does that sound ok or trim it to 1.5...i am currently without hydrometer so no readings. ...i have ginger power is that any use ? ....tried the wychwood gingerbread beer... weird and jury out on it... good ginger heat to it alright..but will play this one straight. Have spare corny for it to age in...

[lovelldr]

Am going to brew this one myself tomorrow hopefully...

Have read a few different alterations to this, especially on the coopers forum. I've made a few alterations to recipes, which are:

Boil 3 litres of water, and simmer the following (for ~20 mins):
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
2-3 sticks of cinnamon
2-3 chillies copped
250g dark brown sugar
500g light malt extract
250g freshly grated ginger
25g powdered ginger

Then, add 1.4kg of raw sugar or dextrose and add to the kit as usual. Not sure whether to brew short to 18-19l or go for full 20l...

What you guys reckon?